Live the best Single Mingle Christian Sharing Lifestyle [even if you are married ;) ]: December 2021

Friday, December 31, 2021

TAKE OUT THE GARBAGE OF 2021 - One Bread, One Body, 12/31/2021

Friday, December 31, 2021, Pope St. Sylvester I

1 John 2:18-21
Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13
John 1:1-18
View Readings

TAKE OUT THE GARBAGE OF 2021
"Children, it is the final hour." —1 John 2:18

On this last day of the year, let us:

take out all the garbage of the year 2021 and any other years,
finish any unfinished business,
repent and confess all our sins (see 1 Jn 1:9),
forgive all who have sinned against us (see Mt 6:12),
be reconciled with those who have something against us (see Mt 5:23ff),
answer every calling from God, and
obey all God’s commands (see 1 Jn 5:3).

Let’s not wait till next year to accept the graces of this year. We don’t want the baggage of past years to make it even more difficult to meet the challenges of next year.

When Jesus died, He said: “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). Jesus gave glory to the Father by finishing the work the Father gave Him to do (Jn 17:4). St. Paul prayed: “I put no value on my life if only I can finish my race and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:24). “I am sure of this much: that He Who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6). The Lord finishes what He starts. Let Him finish up 2021 today.

Prayer: Father, cleanse the temple of my heart (see Lk 19:45).

Promise: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love." —Jn 1:14

Praise: The First Ecumenical Council of the Church at Nicaea (in modern-day Turkey) occurred during the reign of Pope St. Sylvester. During his papacy, Christianity was legalized after the conversion of Constantine.

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Thursday, December 30, 2021

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRES - One Bread, One Body, 12/30/2021

Thursday, December 30, 2021,

1 John 2:12-17
Psalm 96:7-10
Luke 2:36-40
View Readings

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRES
"Carnal allurements, enticements for the eye, the life of empty show — all these are from the world. And the world with its seductions is passing away." —1 John 2:16-17

“Allurements,” “enticements,” and “seductions” are three English translations of the same Greek word. The Revised Standard Version (RSV-CE) Bible translates the Greek word as “lust.” However, the English word “lust” has dominant sexual connotations, which would not be as emphatic in the Greek word, which means “strong desires” of many kinds.

Desires stemming from selfishness, concupiscence, and pride are used by the worldly to manipulate and trap us. After the world finishes using us, it will throw us away. Finally, the world itself will pass away (1 Jn 2:17). However, the one who has no love for the world (1 Jn 2:15) and who “does God’s will endures forever” (1 Jn 2:17).

We cannot avoid the trap set by our desires by merely controlling the expression of our desires. We need new desires. This means we must have a new nature. Through Jesus’ death and Resurrection and our Baptism into Him, we receive a new nature with godly desires. We are to spend the rest of our lives discovering and developing that new nature with its new desires.

Therefore, “do not yield to the desires that once shaped you in your ignorance” (1 Pt 1:14). “Lay aside your former way of life and the old self which deteriorates through illusion and desire, and acquire a fresh, spiritual way of thinking. You must put on that new man created in God’s image” (Eph 4:22-24). “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24). Accept the desires of Jesus’ heart.

Prayer: Father, this Christmas season may I open my baptismal present of new, godly desires.

Promise: "She gave thanks to God and talked about the Child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem." —Lk 2:38

Praise: Audrey traded late night TV for early morning Jesus.

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Wednesday, December 29, 2021

CHRISTMAS LOVE AND EVANGELIZATION - One Bread, One Body, 12/29/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Wednesday, December 29, 2021, St. Thomas Becket

1 John 2:3-11
Psalm 96:1-3, 5-6
Luke 2:22-35
View Readings

CHRISTMAS LOVE AND EVANGELIZATION
"Now, Master, You can dismiss Your servant in peace; You have fulfilled Your word. For my eyes have witnessed Your saving deed." —Luke 2:29-30

Most people associate Christmas with love. All of us like to think of ourselves as being loving. Most people even say that love is the meaning of life. But what is love?

Love is not necessarily a feeling. It is not usually expressed in sexual attraction or sexual relations. It is not merely being nice to people or doing good deeds for others.

Love is the nature of God, for God is Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16). Love is a share in the divine nature (see 2 Pt 1:4). It is a theological virtue. It is both a gift and a commandment (see 1 Jn 4:19-21). Love is a way of life. We must abide in it (1 Jn 4:16). Love is usually expressed in actions, but not in random, miscellaneous actions. Love is primarily concerned about others’ greatest need: to be saved and sanctified.

Therefore, if we don’t share our faith in Jesus, it would be difficult to maintain that we are loving. For example, if we have food but don’t give it to a starving person, how can we be loving? (Jas 2:15-16) If we have faith but don’t share it with a person away from God, how can we be loving? Most practically, love means caring enough to share our faith in Jesus with as many people as possible.

Prayer: Father, this Christmas time, send the Holy Spirit to make me a loving person by Your standards.

Promise: "The man who continues in the light is the one who loves his brother; there is nothing in him to cause a fall." —1 Jn 2:10

Praise: St. Thomas Becket was both friend and foe of King Henry II. As Archbishop of Canterbury, he rejected the king's intrusion into Church affairs. He was assassinated in his cathedral.

(For a related teaching on Love, listen to, download or order our CD 58-1 or DVD 58 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Tuesday, December 28, 2021

CONFORMED TO CHRIST - One Bread, One Body, 12/28/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021, Holy Innocents

1 John 1:5—2:2
Psalm 124:2-5, 7-8
Matthew 2:13-18
View Readings

CONFORMED TO CHRIST
Herod "ordered the massacre of all the boys two years old and under in Bethlehem." —Matthew 2:16

Each baby boy killed that morning over two-thousand years ago in Bethlehem died because he was mistaken for Jesus (Mt 2:13-16). The soldiers who killed the Holy Innocents in Bethlehem thought they were killing Christ, or someone who could be Jesus. To the killers, the children were indistinguishable from Christ.

The child-martyrs we call the Holy Innocents are thus a model for us. We are to bear the light of Christ in our lives to such an extent that Jesus could call us “the light of the world” (Mt 5:14). Our lives are to be so conformed to Jesus that the world, in a sense, might confuse us for Christ (see e.g. 1 Cor 11:1). This makes us a threat to the world as was Jesus, and so we risk being persecuted (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 530). Yet “blest are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of” Jesus (Mt 5:11).

“I beg you through the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God’s will, what is good, pleasing and perfect” (Rm 12:1-2).

Prayer: Father, mold and fashion me into the image of Christ.

Promise: Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." —Ps 124:7-8

Praise: "Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones" (Ps 116:15). Let the Holy Innocents inspire you to strive for holiness.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Hope and Healing Through Aborted Children, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 94-3 or DVD 94 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Monday, December 27, 2021

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT OF LOVE - One Bread, One Body, 12/27/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Monday, December 27, 2021, St. John

1 John 1:1-4
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
John 20:1-8
View Readings

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT OF LOVE
"Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away, so she ran off to Simon Peter and the other disciple (the one Jesus loved)." —John 20:1-2

On this third day of Christmas, our true Love, Jesus, gives us the opportunity to contemplate the life of St. John, who is traditionally identified as the beloved disciple. In doing this, we will have “fellowship” with John and all the saints (1 Jn 1:3). In our communion with them, we abide in love and abide in God (1 Jn 4:16). Thus, on this third day of Christmas, our true Love gives us love and the grace to love so deeply that we abide in love forever.

We all desire to be loved and to love. Yet at the same time we desire to be selfish and thereby to confine ourselves to a prison of pride. We need the Holy Spirit, the true Christmas Spirit, for His desires are against our selfish, carnal desires (Gal 5:17). As the Holy Spirit will lead us to live our Baptisms to the full, He will convict us of our sinful capitulations to the demands of our selfishness (see Jn 16:8). Then He will use His wonderful gifts to produce in us the fruit of the Spirit, that is, love (Gal 5:22).

On this day of love, read and pray parts of John’s Gospel, his three letters, and Revelation. Read, pray, and obey in the Spirit. Receive and give God’s abiding love forever.

Prayer: Father, in this Christmas season, lead me into a new dimension of love.

Promise: "This is what we proclaim to you: what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked upon and our hands have touched — we speak of the Word of Life. (This Life became visible; we have seen and bear witness to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was present to the Father and became visible to us.)" —1 Jn 1:1-2

Praise: St. John declared that "all he saw bears witness to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rv 1:2).

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

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Sunday, December 26, 2021

THE ENEMY’S TARGET PRACTICE - One Bread, One Body, 12/26/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Sunday, December 26, 2021, Holy Family

1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28
1 John 3:1-2, 21-24
Psalm 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10
Luke 2:41-52

View Readings

THE ENEMY'S TARGET PRACTICE
"I prayed for this child." —1 Samuel 1:27

You can determine what is important by what the enemy attacks. Military enemies attack water supplies, bridges, roads, and supply caches. The enemy doesn’t waste valuable military resources by attacking targets of limited importance. Likewise, you can determine what is spiritually important by what the evil one and his kingdom of darkness attack. Marriage and family are very high on the devil’s list of targets.

God sent His only begotten Son into the world through a family (see Lk 2:22ff), so the evil one hates God’s love of marriage and family. Consequently, Satan has targeted the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2335, 2363). He has also targeted the family by continually raising up new Herods who search for the children to destroy them (Mt 2:13), through contraception, abortion, divorce, drugs, immorality, peer pressure, bullying, rebellion against parents, and many other forces.

Repent of any participation in the attack of the enemy on marriage and family. “Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one another” (Col 3:13). Bring your family to the Lord (see Lk 2:22). Pray with your family and for all families.

Prayer: "Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and praise" (Ps 96:7).

Promise: "See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God!" —1 Jn 3:1

Praise: "Observe, my son, your father's bidding, and reject not your mother's teaching" (Prv 6:20). Father, thank You for entrusting Your Son to the protective care of Joseph and Mary.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

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Saturday, December 25, 2021

WHAT CHILD IS THIS? - One Bread, One Body, 12/25/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Saturday, December 25, 2021, Christmas

Isaiah 52:7-10>br>Hebrews 1:1-6
Psalm 98:1-6
John 1:1-18

View Readings

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
"Hark! Your watchmen raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the Lord restoring Zion." —Isaiah 52:8

“Mary” Christmas! Alleluia! Christ our Savior is born. On this Christmas morning many throughout the world have almost nothing and live in abject poverty. They live in conditions similar to the first Christmas. There is no room for them in the inn (Lk 2:7). Yet there is room for all of us in the kingdom of the Christ-Child. We may be rejected by man and despised by the world, but no one who comes to Jesus will He ever reject (Jn 6:37).

“O come all ye faithful...O come let us adore Him.” “The grace of God has appeared, offering salvation to all” (Ti 2:11). “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us; not because of any righteous deeds we had done, but because of His mercy” (Ti 3:4-5).

Come to Jesus. Receive salvation. “You who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come” (Is 55:1). Come to Jesus, “all you who are weary and find life burdensome” (Mt 11:28), and He will refresh you. Come “to Bethlehem and see this event” (Lk 2:15). “This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Praise, praise, and give Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.”

Prayer: Jesus, on this Christmas Day, I come to You. I repent of my sins and give You the Christmas present of my life. I accept You as my Lord and Savior.

Promise: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love." —Jn 1:14

Praise: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Immanuel" (Is 7:14).

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

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Friday, December 24, 2021

“IT’S GOD, FOR YOU” - One Bread, One Body, 12/24/2021

The Lord wants to talk to us about His coming this Christmas. He will talk to us through His Word and through prophets like Nathan, Zechariah, John the Baptizer, and Mary. But will we be able to hear the Lord, even if He whispers to us? (see 1 Kgs 19:12)

Prior to receiving Nathan’s prophecy that the Davidic dynasty would last forever, David focused His attention on building a house for the Lord (2 Sm 7:2). If we seek first God’s kingdom (see Mt 6:33) and devote our lives to building His house, the Church (see Mt 16:18), then we, like David, will prepare the way for a prophetic revelation from the Lord.

Zechariah was unable to hear for nine months (see Lk 1:62). He opened his ears to God’s prophetic Word by repenting of not believing the Archangel Gabriel’s revelation concerning the miraculous birth of his son. Zechariah expressed his repentance by obeying the Archangel’s command to name the baby “John” (Lk 1:13, 63). We likewise must repent and obey to open our ears to God’s Word.

Jesus wants to pierce the “silent night” of Christmas by announcing to you words of spirit and life (see Jn 6:63). Open your ears by seeking first His kingdom, repenting of sins, and obeying His will. Get ready; God is about to give you a call.

Prayer: Father, Christmas morning and every morning open my ears that I may hear You (see Is 50:4).

Promise: "Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel because He has visited and ransomed His people." —Lk 1:68

Praise: John was raised Baptist, became charismatic, and finally Catholic.

(For a related teaching on Seek First the Kingdom, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Thursday, December 23, 2021

“READY OR NOT — HERE I COME” - One Bread, One Body, 12/23/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Thursday, December 23, 2021, St. John of Kanty

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
Luke 1:57-66
View Readings

"READY OR NOT — HERE I COME"
"Who will endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears?" —Malachi 3:2

Almost everyone believes in preparing for Christmas. But are we preparing the way of the Lord (Lk 3:4) or the way of the world? The Lord calls us to make gigantic changes in our ways. Priorities as big as mountains in our lives should be leveled. Our valleys, depressions, pits, and ruts are also to be leveled. As crooked as our hearts are (see Jer 17:9), Jesus wants them straightened. As rough as our edges are, they must be smoothed.

The Lord is not calling us to maintain, much less to promote, the status quo of a world trapped in sin. The Lord is calling us to a revolution where the high and mighty are deposed from their thrones and the lowly raised to high places (Lk 1:51-52). That’s what He means by “preparing the way of the Lord.” Are you prepared for Christmas by Christ’s standards?

Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah, John, and Jesus all went through big changes near the time of Jesus’ birth. Are you prepared to do the same? Will you receive the real Christmas? Will you receive Christ?

Prayer: Jesus, it is a fearful thing to fall into Your hands (Heb 10:31). This Christmas, "let it be done to me as You say" (Lk 1:38).

Promise: "This astonished them all. At that moment his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God." —Lk 1:63-64

Praise: "O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver, Desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God."

(For a related teaching on Life-Changing Prayers from the Bible, view, download or order our booklet on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

ALL HE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS IS ______ - One Bread, One Body, 12/22/2021

Jesus “is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted” (Lk 2:34, RNAB). He was crucified because He was believed to be advocating a revolution, although His kingdom was not of this world (Jn 18:36). Even before He was born, Mary, His mother, prophesied: “He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. The hungry He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away” (Lk 1:52-53).

Shortly after Jesus was born, King Herod tried to kill Him, for Herod saw Jesus as a threat to his power (Mt 2:3, 13, 16). The early Church, following in the footsteps of the Lord, turned the world right side up (Acts 17:6) and was persecuted as was Jesus because it was a threat to the powers that be. Christianity eventually brought down the Roman Empire and many other dynasties. In our times, Christianity has brought down some forms of Communism. Christians are revolutionaries in the Holy Spirit.

Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. We want to give Jesus a present for His birthday, a Christmas present. Jesus would like to have a revolution for His birthday/Christmas present — a revolution of repentance and love in our hearts leading to a revolution of evangelization and discipleship, which will overturn the culture of death and replace it with a civilization of life and love. Give Jesus what He wants for Christmas.

Prayer: Father, I will live and die for You.

Promise: "He has shown might with His arm; He has confused the proud in their inmost thoughts." —Lk 1:51

Praise: "O King of all the nations, the only Joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature You fashioned from the dust."

(For a related teaching on Making Disciples in a Culture of Death, listen to, download or order our CD 97-1 and CD 97-3 or DVD 97 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Tuesday, December 21, 2021

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST - One Bread, One Body, 12/21/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021, St. Peter Canisius

Song of Songs 2:8-14 or
Zephaniah 3:14-18
Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Luke 1:39-45
View Readings

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
"For see, the winter is past." —Song of Songs 2:11

On the first day of winter, the Church reads to us: “The winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth” (Sg 2:11-12). Is this the weather report for the Southern Hemisphere, or is the Church out of touch with reality? By selecting this reading, the Church is saying that we who have eternal life in Christ transcend time in some way now and will eventually transcend it completely forever. Although it’s wintertime outside for many of us, by God’s grace it can be springtime inside. Although Jesus died on the cross almost two thousand years ago, His sacrifice on Calvary is made present at every celebration of the Mass. How can the past be also the present? God’s power makes this possible. Although time appears to be running out on us as we get older, the fact is, rather, that we’re running out on time. Time will pass away, but we will live forever (see 1 Jn 2:17). If we live for Jesus, time will not have the last word in our lives; instead, Jesus will have the last word, for He is the eternal Word (Jn 1:1).

Many people feel the tyranny of time at Christmas time. They wish they had “Christmas past” when their spouses, parents, children, and friends were still alive. Even those having a so-called “merry Christmas” are sometimes haunted by the thought of this being their or a loved one’s “last Christmas.”

However, we don’t have to be under such “time constraints.” Jesus was conceived and born in time so that we can live beyond time. Life in Jesus is eternal life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for putting the timeless in my heart (Eccl 3:11) and then sending Jesus to fulfill my heart's desires.

Promise: "The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby leapt in my womb for joy." —Lk 1:44

Praise: "O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death."

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Monday, December 20, 2021

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO JESUS - One Bread, One Body, 12/20/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Monday, December 20, 2021,

Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 1:26-38
View Readings

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO JESUS
"You have found favor with God." —Luke 1:30

Isaiah, the prophet, said that Ahaz was wearying God (Is 7:13). The writer of Genesis said that we grieved God by our sins and caused Him to regret ever having made us (Gn 6:5-6). Attributing emotion to God the Father is an anthropomorphism. We project our feelings onto Him, although He, being a Spirit, doesn’t have feelings as we do.

However, God became man. Now He has a body with all the feelings that go with it. God the Son now literally is wearied and grieved. By our sins, we’ve been able to make God cry, scream, bleed, and die. We’ve been able to torture God and nauseate Him (see Rv 3:16). We’ve been able to make God feel all the pain of rejection.

This Christmas season, will you please God or reject Him? “To His own He came, yet His own did not accept Him” (Jn 1:11). Will you accept Him? This Christmas, make Jesus rejoice. May He “rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love” (Zep 3:17). May He “sing joyfully because of you” (Zep 3:17). Repent! (see Lk 15:7, 10) Obey, praise, worship, love, and please Him. Make this a very merry Christmas for Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, may I bring a smile to Your face.

Promise: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; hence, the holy Offspring to be born will be called Son of God." —Lk 1:35

Praise: "O Key of David, O royal power of Israel controlling at Your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead Your captive people into freedom."

(As the New Year approaches, don't forget the Lord in your resolutions. Plan to spend time at our Retreat Center in beautiful Adams County, Ohio. Check out our website www.presentationministries.com for upcoming retreats or consider a silent retreat.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Sunday, December 19, 2021

READY OR NOT — HERE HE COMES - One Bread, One Body, 12/19/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Sunday, December 19, 2021, Fourth Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:1-4
Hebrews 10:5-10
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Luke 1:39-45

View Readings

READY OR NOT — HERE HE COMES
"Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" —Luke 1:43

Are you ready to meet Christ in a new, deep, personal, intimate, life-changing way this Christmas season? How do you know whether you have let the Lord prepare you this Advent for the real Christmas?

If you can truthfully say that you come to each day and each circumstance of life not to do your will but the Lord’s will (see Heb 10:9; Ps 40:8-9; Jn 6:38; Mt 26:39), then you are ready for Christ’s coming, Christmas, and life. If you are doing your own thing, then you’re not ready.

If you are like Mary, visiting others to share Christ and the Holy Spirit (see Lk 1:39ff), you are ready for Christ this Christmas. But if you’re keeping Christ to yourself, do you love Him? How can you fail to speak of someone you love?

If you’re not ready for Christ this Christmas, there is hope. There are five more days of Advent. In these precious days, you can receive the grace to repent, forgive, love, and obey. You can have Christmas, but you must first live to serve Him and to share His love.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to make me like Mary, who will help me to be like Jesus.

Promise: "Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne." —Mi 5:2

Praise: "O Flower of Jesse's stem, You have been raised up as a Sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in Your presence; the nations bow down in worship before You. Come, let nothing keep You from coming to our aid."

(On a related teaching on Apathy, listen to, download or order our CD 61-3 or DVD 61 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Saturday, December 18, 2021

A NEW AND GREATER THING - One Bread, One Body, 12/18/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Saturday, December 18, 2021,

Jeremiah 23:5-8
Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19
Matthew 1:18-25
View Readings

A NEW AND GREATER THING
"The days will come, says the Lord, when they will no longer say, 'As the Lord lives, Who brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt'; but rather, 'As the Lord lives, Who brought the descendants of the house of Israel up from the land of the north.' " —Jeremiah 23:7-8

The Exodus was looked upon by the people of Israel as the greatest miracle. God split the Red Sea, with a wall of water to the right and to the left, so the Israelites could safely cross through the sea on dry land and thus escape from the Egyptian army (Ex 14:21-31). God protected His people with wonder-working power.

Then the worst disaster occurred. God’s people abandoned Him, and He allowed their enemies to defeat them, destroy the Temple, and exile them to Babylon (2 Chr 36:17ff). Would God no longer protect His people? Decades later, in yet another unimaginable event, King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon, liberated the Israelites, and encouraged the exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezr 1:1ff). Jeremiah had prophesied that God would bring His people out of exile, and it would be such a great miracle that future Israelites would speak of the return from exile rather than the Exodus (Jer 23:7-8).

Yet God was not finished working wonders for His people. The Father sent Jesus to liberate His people and make all things new (Is 43:19). No longer would we speak of the Exodus or the return from exile as God’s greatest miracle. God sent His only begotten Son to become flesh and dwell among us (Jn 1:14).

Is your life in ruins? Do you believe God will no longer act on your behalf? God is not finished working wonders for His people. Receive the Christ of Christmas, and believe God is at work.

Prayer: Father, I believe nothing is impossible with You (Lk 1:37).

Promise: Jesus "will save His people from their sins." —Mt 1:21

Praise: "O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, Who showed Yourself to Moses in the burning bush, Who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out Your mighty hand to set us free."

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Friday, December 17, 2021

“NOT ASHAMED” (Heb 2:11) - One Bread, One Body, 12/17/2021

God works through people — lots of them. Today’s readings make this clear. The line of Jesus the Messiah is traced through the tribe of Judah (Gn 49:8ff), and the Gospel genealogy traces the lineage. Despite the sinfulness and shame of the descendants of Judah, the Divine Physician entered this family lineage to redeem the sinful and heal the sick (see Mk 2:17).

The genealogy shows that God truly became man. Jesus is one of us. He lived among us (Jn 1:14). He has redeemed the human family tree. “He is not ashamed to call [us] brothers” and sisters (Heb 2:11). Jesus loves us and the Father loves us (Jn 3:16). Jesus is so unashamed of the human race that the first Gospel begins with the human ancestry of Jesus the Messiah (Mt 1:1-17).

Let us say with St. Paul, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel” (Rm 1:16). Jesus said: “If a man is ashamed of Me and My doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory” (Lk 9:26). Therefore, ask God to heal you of any shame you might have from being associated publicly with those who follow Jesus.

Prayer: Father, human beings do so many sinful things. Give me Your heart for sinful humanity so that I may see and love Your people as You do (1 Jn 4:20).

Promise: "In Him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim His happiness." —Ps 72:17

Praise: "O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, You govern all creation with Your strong yet tender care."

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Jesus, the Redeemer, listen to, download or order our CD 50-3 or DVD 50 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Thursday, December 16, 2021

DON’T RUIN GOD’S PLANS FOR CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 12/16/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Thursday, December 16, 2021,

Isaiah 54:1-10
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
Luke 7:24-30
View Readings

DON'T RUIN GOD'S PLANS FOR CHRISTMAS
"The Pharisees and the lawyers, on the other hand, by failing to receive his baptism defeated God's plan in their regard." —Luke 7:30

God is all-powerful and all-loving. He wills to love us with an everlasting love (see Jer 31:3). However, God has given us the freedom to defeat His plan in our regard. We can deprive ourselves from receiving God’s love by refusing to be baptized in, that is, immersed in repentance (Lk 7:30).

This Christmas season, the Lord has plans for us to experience the breadth, length, height, and depth of His love (Eph 3:18). However, we can defeat the Lord’s Christmas plans for us by refusing to repent completely and deeply. Therefore, let’s prepare the way for the love of the Lord by celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Without a good Advent Confession, it’s unlikely that we’ll let God have His way this Christmas season.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you examine your conscience. Read the Bible, especially the Gospels, to help you prepare for Confession. Also, fast in some way for a day or more in preparation for Confession. Then go to Confession. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, not on your guilt, feelings, or self. Thank Jesus for forgiving you. Then anticipate with inexpressible joy (see 1 Pt 1:8) Christ’s Christmas coming.

Prayer: Father, may I see the Sacrament of Reconciliation as an absolutely essential preparation for Christmas.

Promise: "Raise a glad cry, you barren one who did not bear, break forth in jubilant song, you who were not in labor." —Is 54:1

Praise: Keith nearly lost his job and his family before turning away from alcohol and turning toward God.

(For a related teaching on The Necessity of Confession for Renewal, listen to, download or order our CD 70-1 or DVD 70 on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

THE ONLY WAY TO CHRISTMAS DAY - One Bread, One Body, 12/15/2021

There’s only one name, only one Lord, and only one Way to be saved, go to the Father, and have Christmas (Jn 14:6). Jesus is not only the Way to salvation (Acts 4:12); He is also the Way to healing, victory, freedom, and Christmas. Jesus is not only “the reason for the season,” He’s the only Way to Christmas Day. Jesus is both the Beginning and the End of Christmas (see Rv 22:13). He is “the Lord, there is no other” (Is 45:6).

Some people try to make Christmas like they try to “make love.” A human being can make neither a true Christmas nor true love. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing, including Christmas (Jn 15:5). As we approach Christmas, we don’t need to do more or “do it ourselves.” Rather, we must “let it be done” to us according to God’s Word (Lk 1:38).

We must be at the feet of Jesus, like Mary of Bethany (Lk 10:39, 42), to have a “Mary” Christmas. At Christmas, we don’t need working hands as much as praying hands. We must learn to receive before we give, to wait before we run. Christmas is first a gift from Christ to you before you make it a gift to Christ from you. Remember, Jesus loved us first (1 Jn 4:19).

Prayer: Jesus, may I immerse myself so deeply in You that I have no room for the attractions of this world.

Promise: "Blest is that man who finds no stumbling block in Me." —Lk 7:23

Praise: James investigated many religions before finding the Catholic Faith.

(For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior and God, listen to, download or order our CD 43-1 or DVD 43 or view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Tuesday, December 14, 2021

WE WISH YOU A HUMBLE CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 12/14/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021, St. John of the Cross

Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23
Matthew 21:28-32
View Readings

WE WISH YOU A HUMBLE CHRISTMAS
"I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble." —Zephaniah 3:12

Christmas is for the humble. The Lord has promised: “Then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts...I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly” (Zep 3:11, 12). Christmas is “hidden from the learned and the clever” and revealed to the smallest children (Lk 10:21). Christmas is the exaltation promised by the Lord of those who have humbled themselves (Mt 23:12).

Therefore, learn from Jesus, Who is “gentle and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29). Follow His example and humble yourself, obediently accepting even the cross of suffering (see Phil 2:8). Pray with Mary: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38, RNAB). Proclaim with Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own” (Gal 2:19-20). With the wise men and women of all times, humbly prostrate yourself before the Baby Jesus (Mt 2:11).

Christmas is for the humble. The proud don’t fit in the manger scene. Humble yourself by repenting, apologizing, simplifying, serving, suffering, obeying, dying to self, and worshiping. This Christmas, clothe yourself with humility (1 Pt 5:5).

Prayer: Father, may my love for Jesus spark in me a strong desire to be humble as He is.

Promise: "They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; they shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them." —Zep 3:13

Praise: St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila were friends and they worked to reform the Carmelite Order. John was put in prison and died in a dungeon, but not before he wrote beautiful reflections on the cross.

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Monday, December 13, 2021

“WHAT IS TRUTH?” (see Jn 18:38) - One Bread, One Body, 12/13/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Monday, December 13, 2021, St. Lucy

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 21:23-27
View Readings

"WHAT IS TRUTH?" (see Jn 18:38)
They thought to themselves, 'If we say "divine," He will ask us, "Then why did you not put faith in it?" ' " —Matthew 21:25

It is evident from their answer to Jesus that the chief priests were not interested in God’s truth. Even Balaam, a pagan, mercenary seer, was interested in what God said (Nm 24:13). The chief priests would not speak on behalf of God (Mt 21:27).

God made Balaam speak a word of blessing, even though Balaam was paid to speak curses (Nm 23:25-26). God used Balaam for the good of His plan. Ultimately, even the chief priests who would not answer Jesus worked unwittingly to further God’s plan (Mt 21:28-32).

God can work through us or despite us. Let us abandon ourselves to God’s will so that He will work mightily through us rather than work mightily despite us. So, unlike the chief priests, who spoke only what was expedient politically rather than what was on their hearts, let us say “Yes” when we mean “Yes” and “No” when we mean “No” (Mt 5:37; cf Jas 5:12).

Make Jesus the Lord of your speech, your mind, and your heart (see Lk 10:27). Then speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15).

Prayer: Father, purify my heart so that my only priority will be to live totally for Jesus.

Promise: "Good and upright is the Lord; thus He shows sinners the way." —Ps 25:8

Praise: St. Lucy was martyred during the ruthless persecution of Emperor Diocletian. She dedicated her virginity to Christ. She is the patron for those suffering with eye disorders.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Sunday, December 12, 2021

DOING CHRISTMAS - One Bread, One Body, 12/12/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Sunday, December 12, 2021, Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-18
Philippians 4:4-7
Isaiah 12:2-6
Luke 3:10-18

View Readings

DOING CHRISTMAS
"What are we to do?" —Luke 3:12

“The crowds asked [John the Baptizer], ‘What ought we to do?’ ” (Lk 3:10) Tax collectors asked John: “What are we to do?” (Lk 3:12) Soldiers likewise asked him: “What are we to do?” (see Lk 3:14) As we near Christ’s coming, we too ask: “What are we to do?”

The Lord answers our question through the Church. Traditionally, today is called “Gaudete Sunday.” “Gaudete” is a Latin word meaning “rejoice.” What we are to do is to “shout for joy” and “sing joyfully” (Zep 3:14). We are to “rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice! Everyone should see how unselfish [we] are. The Lord is near” (Phil 4:4-5).

We are not to rejoice because of our circumstances, which may even be tragic. We should not be rejoicing so much in our selves or our pleasures as in the Lord, in fact, our Lord. That is, what we are to do is to rejoice that we have accepted Him as our Lord. Then we no longer try to run our lives. We belong to Him (see Gal 2:20). We rejoice in His salvation (Is 25:9) and in our acceptance of salvation through repentance (see Lk 15:7, 10) and faith.

What are we to do to meet Christ this Christmas? We are not just to rejoice but to rejoice in our Lord. If He is not your Lord, choose Jesus now to be the Lord of your life, including your Christmas.

Prayer: Jesus, my Lord, my Joy, my God, I love You with all my heart forever.

Promise: "With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation." —Is 12:3

Praise: "We ourselves announce to you the good news that what God promised our fathers He has fulfilled for us, their children, in raising up Jesus" (Acts 13:32-33). Praise God!

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Saturday, December 11, 2021

THE MIRACLES OF REPENTANCE - One Bread, One Body, 12/11/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Saturday, December 11, 2021, Pope St. Damasus I

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Matthew 17:9-13
View Readings

THE MIRACLES OF REPENTANCE
"Why do the scribes claim that Elijah must come first?" —Matthew 17:10

There are only fourteen more repenting days before Christmas. Of the many things we need to do before Christmas, repenting should be first on the list. However, repentance is difficult, even humanly impossible. Sin blinds us to sin (see 1 Jn 2:11). It hardens and paralyzes us, thus cutting us off from repentance. Therefore, we must turn to the Lord and ask Him to do the miracle of repentance in our lives so that we will not be trapped in our sins.

When we pray for the grace of repentance, the Holy Spirit will come to convict us of our sins (Jn 16:8). He may do this by bringing into our lives people like Elijah and John the Baptizer. The Spirit will give the prophets and prophetesses in our lives piercing, burning words for us (see Heb 4:12; Sir 48:1; Mt 10:19-20). These words will hurt, because the truth hurts. Then, as Ahab, Jezebel, Herod, and Herodias did, we will be tempted to do away with these prophets so as to rid ourselves of their prophecies. If we do this, however, we will deprive ourselves of repentance, Christmas, Christ, and life. We will live and die in our sins (Jn 8:21, 24).

Accept the miracles of repentance, prophecy, and Christmas. Go to Confession today!

Prayer: Father, send anyone You choose to tell me what I need to hear. Lead me to repentance.

Promise: "You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you before he dies, O Elijah." —Sir 48:10-12

Praise: "You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you before he dies, O Elijah." —Sir 48:10-12

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

To remove your e-mail address from this list, click here..

Friday, December 10, 2021

“PROSPER THE WORK OF OUR HANDS!” (Ps 90:17) - One Bread, One Body, 12/10/2021

Presentation Ministries need volunteers (no pay) to help translate the English version of the One Bread, One Body into Spanish.
If you are interested, please contact Jerry at (513) 659-9270 or email him at jerrycappel@fuse.net.

Friday, December 10, 2021, Our Lady of Loreto

Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Matthew 11:16-19
View Readings

"PROSPER THE WORK OF OUR HANDS!" (Ps 90:17)
"If you would hearken to My commandments, your prosperity would be like a river." —Isaiah 48:18

Often the readings of Advent speak of an unimaginable richness and plenty. God is not a puny God; He is mighty and abundant. He is a God Who blesses and offers life to the full (Jn 10:10). God comes to give us freedom, love, the gifts of the Spirit, power, joy, and “every spiritual blessing in the heavens!” (Eph 1:3)

There is undoubtedly a daily cross and a share of suffering to bear in following the Lord Jesus Christ (Lk 9:23; 1 Pt 4:1). Yet the Advent readings, and particularly today’s readings, speak of prosperity as a blessing from God:

If you obey My commandments, your prosperity will flow like a river — constantly and free-flowing (Is 48:18).
If you meditate on God’s Word day and night, then whatever you do will prosper (Ps 1:2-3).

Despite suffering, persecution, and faith as small as a mustard seed, God promises that if we devote ourselves to the study of His Word and obey Him, we will prosper. Do you want your ministry, family, and parenting to prosper with the blessings of God? Obey Him and make your home in His Word.

Prayer: Father, may I obey You out of love, not simply to gain Your blessings. I do trust that You will bless and reward me in Your overflowing mercy (Heb 10:35; 11:6; 2 Jn 8).

Promise: "Time will prove where wisdom lies." —Mt 11:19

Praise: Pope Francis established the feast of Our Lady of Loreto in 2019. The decree stated, "This celebration will help all people…to imitate the virtues of that perfect disciple of the Gospel, the Virgin Mother."

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."

"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at http://www.presentationministries.com/series/obob

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Copyright © Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to https://www.presentationministries.com/subscribe/email

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